Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has publicly advocated for the club to reconsider bringing back Rasmus Hojlund, suggesting the Danish forward could still have a future at Old Trafford despite his current loan spell at Napoli.
Hojlund's Mixed Fortunes at Manchester United
The 22-year-old forward joined Manchester United from Atalanta in 2023 and showed promising signs during his debut season, netting 16 goals across 43 appearances in all competitions. However, his second campaign proved more challenging, with just 10 goals in 52 outings and noticeable struggles to make a consistent impact under managers Erik ten Hag and later Ruben Amorim.
Following the arrivals of attacking reinforcements Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo last summer, Hojlund was subsequently loaned to Serie A side Napoli, where he has begun to rediscover his scoring touch. His recent Champions League goal against Chelsea marked his 10th strike in 28 appearances for the Italian club this season.
Contractual Complexities and Future Possibilities
Reports from ESPN indicate that Hojlund's loan agreement includes an obligation for Napoli to purchase the player permanently should they qualify for next season's Champions League. This clause could potentially eliminate any possibility of a Manchester United return. Nevertheless, Sheringham remains convinced that the Red Devils should explore bringing the Dane back to England if the opportunity arises.
'I believe that things change very quickly at football clubs, especially when there's different people in charge,' Sheringham stated during an interview with Mr Q. 'Who knows what relationship Michael Carrick has with players like Rasmus Hojlund? He might have a way of getting the best out of him.'
Sheringham's Compelling Argument
The United legend emphasized that Hojlund's existing contract with the club means he will naturally feature in interim manager Michael Carrick's summer planning. 'He's already on the books at the football club, so Hojlund will come into Carrick's equation in the summer,' Sheringham noted.
Sheringham dismissed Hojlund's previous difficulties, arguing that the forward's initial acquisition by Manchester United demonstrated his underlying quality. 'I don't care what's gone on before, he's obviously a top footballer, otherwise he wouldn't have got to Manchester United in the first place.'
The former England international proposed a practical approach: 'So I would say bring him back in, let's give him a chance to see where he's at and see where his mindset is when he comes back. We need to find out if he has still got the fire in his belly to play for Manchester United.'
Managerial Uncertainty and Financial Considerations
While Carrick currently holds interim managerial responsibilities and has begun impressively with victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, his long-term position remains uncertain. Club icons Roy Keane and Gary Neville have expressed reservations about appointing Carrick permanently, regardless of his performance throughout the remainder of the season.
The decision regarding Hojlund's potential return would likely involve the next permanent manager, who would need to assess how the Dane might fit alongside Sesko and Mbeumo in United's attacking options. Financially, Manchester United might prefer to capitalise on Napoli's reported £38 million obligation to buy, particularly as Hojlund has hinted at preferring to remain in Italy given the choice.
Sheringham concluded with a reminder of football's inherent unpredictability: 'Like I've said, things change very quickly in football. There's a different manager in charge now, and there could be another different one in the summer who has a whole new outlook, so why not?'
